[f. BOW sb.1 4.] A case in which a bow is kept. In 16–17th c. applied humorously to a lean starveling, a ‘bag of bones.’

1

1464.  Mann. & Househ. Exp., 267. Item, for a bowcas, viijd.

2

1544.  Ascham, Toxoph. (Arb.), 119. A bowecase of ledder is not the best.

3

1599.  Marston, Sco. Villanie, III. x. 222. Poore budge face, bowcase sleeue, but let him passe.

4

1605.  Tryall Chev., II. i. in Bullen, Old Pl. (1884), III. 289. Bowyer a Captayne? a Capon … a Yellow-hammer, a bow-case.

5

1874.  Boutell, Arms & Arm., ii. 34. The bow of the Greek hero, when in the field, was carried in a bow-case.

6